Comorbidity in Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

In cross-sectional studies, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults has been linked to the presence of several other psychiatric disorders. This diagnostic comorbidity is consistently found for antisocial personality disorder and also substance use disorders. There is great divergence in reports of comorbid anxiety and mood disorders. Quality of designs varies widely, limiting inter-pretation of conflicting results. Evidence suggests that men and women with ADHD present with similar patterns of comorbidity, regardless of whether they are referred or non-referred individuals. Prospective follow-up studies of children with ADHD into adulthood have generated similar findings of comorbidity: elevated rates of antisocial personality and substance use disorders, and divergent findings with regard to comorbidity of anxiety and mood disorders. There is very limited information about differences in comorbidity between children whose ADHD persists into adulthood and those in whom it remits (prognostic comorbidity). The sparse evidence from prospective longitudinal stud-ies suggests that antisocial personality is predicted by the retention of ADHD into adulthood. Except for nicotine dependence, no other condition has emerged as a significant correlate of persistent ADHD. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Base